A rotator cuff tear can be a painful and debilitating injury which can severely limit your mobility and ability to carry out everyday tasks. It is important to treat a rotator cuff tear as soon as possible to avoid long-term damage to your shoulder joint. For people suffering from this painful injury we have brought together the advice from a physiotherapist and chiropractor on the best ways to treat a rotator cuff tear.
Rest and Immobilization: If you have a rotator cuff tear, it is essential to give your shoulder some rest and immobilization. A physiotherapist will advise you to avoid any activities that may aggravate your shoulder pain such as lifting heavy weights or playing sports. Also, they may suggest using a sling to immobilize your shoulder joint and allow the injury to heal.
Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is a highly recommended treatment option for rotator cuff tears. A physiotherapist will create an individualized exercise program, which aims to improve shoulder mobility, strength, and flexibility. Specific exercises will also target the rotator cuff muscles, which help rebuild strength and stability around the shoulder joint.
Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic care can also be an effective treatment option for a rotator cuff tear. A chiropractor will use manipulations and adjustments to help alleviate pain and improve shoulder function. Additionally, chiropractic adjustments can help correct any joint misalignments, which may contribute to the development of the injury.
Cold Compression Therapy: Applying cold compression therapy to your injured shoulder can help reduce swelling and inflammation. This therapy involves applying a cold compress to the shoulder joint for 15-20 minutes at a time.
Surgery: If conservative treatments do not help relieve your symptoms, surgery may be necessary. Surgery may involve repairing the torn rotator cuff muscle, removing bone spurs, or reattaching torn tendons. Your physiotherapist or chiropractor will refer you to an orthopedic surgeon if surgery is needed.
A rotator cuff tear can be a frustrating injury to deal with, but with the right treatment, you can return to your daily activities and sports. A combination of physiotherapy, chiropractic care, rest, and cold compression therapy are the most recommended treatments for a rotator cuff tear. It is important to follow the advice of your healthcare professionals and be patient during the recovery process. With the right treatment and care, you can recover from a rotator cuff tear and get back to living your life pain-free.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Laura Rashty, BSc, DC, or another Kitchener chiropractor at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
